High School Visual Art

High school art courses support students in transitioning from more teacher-directed instruction, at lower levels, to a more independent approach to pursuing a selected area of artistic inquiry, at higher levels. Artistic exploration of concepts and skills is directed toward developing a personal voice and style, exploring ideas deeply by creating series of works, and preparing and assembling artwork for exhibition and portfolios. Students have the option of exploring a broad range of artmaking media in Studio Art & Design courses or choosing an area of specialization such as photography or digital art course sequences. Courses are based on thematic concepts including sense of place, perceptions of self, social and contemporary issues, and narrative conflict. Portfolio preparation level students individually identify a conceptual theme for their work.

All high schools offer either Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) art courses. Prerequisite level courses address skills, sequentially, to support success in these advanced academic courses.